In the final pool match of the Rugby World Cup on Sunday night, Fiji lost to Portugal to book their place in the quarterfinals against England.
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Despite the Portuguese’s first-ever World Cup victory in Toulouse, the Fijians still finished second in Pool C thanks to their losing bonus point for not losing by more than seven points.
Steve Borthwick’s side finished Pool D with a 18-17 win over Samoa to secure their place in the knockout phase.
Tournament : 8 September to 28 October 2023
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The quarterfinal will be a rematch of England’s final warm-up match, in which the Fijians defeated England for the first time.
With the right mid-set, Fiji say they will feel unstoppable as they try to reach a first-ever World Cup semi-final after their surprise loss to Portugal.
When is it?
On Sunday, October 15, England will face Fiji in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final. Kickoff is at 4pm (BST), 5pm local time.
How is the England team doing? Team News
In place of the jettisoned Freddie Steward, England have named Marcus Smith at full-back for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Fiji.
Despite Steward’s automatic selection since his Test debut in July 2021, Steve Borthwick omits the high-ball master entirely in favor of Smith, who provides a greater offensive threat.
Although Fiji lack a top-class kicking game, it is still a significant step up in opposition for the converted fly-half, who made his No 15 debut against Chile in the group phase.
In England’s biggest match since the 2019 World Cup final, Smith will act as a second playmaker to captain Owen Farrell.
Ford was man of the match in Pool D victories over Argentina and Japan, and he is in form at the position.
Borthwick places his faith in his skipper, who will make his third World Cup appearance, by restricting the Sale No 10 to a supporting role from the bench.
How is the Fiji team doing? Team News
As England assemble a quirky backline featuring Marcus Smith at full-back, Raiwalui has retained Vilimoni Botitu for what will be just his third professional start in the fly-half position. After returning to France from Cornwall, where he had spent time with his family, on Friday morning, Sam Matavesi, the Northampton Saints hooker, has moved to the bench following the death of his father, Sireli. As a front rower, Tevita Ikanivere will start.
As for Albert Tuisue, Gloucester forward, he has been moved to the second row and will bring what he is known for: aggression in the ruck.
Raiwalui downplayed the significance of Fiji’s 30-22 victory over England at Twickenham as it warmed up for the World Cup.
How to watch on TV
The Rugby World Cup will be shown exclusively on ITV in the UK. England’s quarter-final match will be shown on ITV 1. Read Telegraph Sport’s analysis of the best TV commentators and pundits.
The BBC offers a “bespoke output” in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland through Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds.
England’s Pool D results
- Saturday, September 9 – England 27 v Argentina 10
- Sunday, September 17 – England 34 Japan 12
- Saturday, September 23 – England 71 Chile 0
- Saturday, October 7 – England 18 Samoa 17
Fiji’s Pool C results
- Sunday, September 10 – Wales 32 v Fiji 26
- Sunday, September 17 – Australia 15 Fiji 22
- Saturday, September 30 – Fiji 17 Georgia 12
- Sunday, October 8 – Fiji 23 Portugal 24